Day 2 How Do I Know I Need Healing?

Day 2

Abortion Recovery Devotional

HOW DO I KNOW I NEED HEALING?

What would indicate you need healing from your abortion experience(s)?

In the Forgiven and Set Free Bible study book the first chapter addresses this question. There are many questions to help ponder as you take a look back at that time in your life. It can be frightening as memories are often surrounded by much emotion, or maybe the memories are not there, and you fear dredging them up certain you will not be able to handle what you discover or remember.

I understand this.

The leaders at An Even Place know what this feels like.

Yet, when God is in your midst, He is gentle with your heart. He knows the depth of your pain and fear more than you and He cares deeply for you.

The original version of the book was written in the 80's. At the time and until the past 5 years it took women years often decades to come forward to receive healing. In order for a woman to cope she would often stuff the memories of her abortion deep down inside her. God has created us to survive difficult and traumatic events (abortion is traumatic to the woman-1). Often, we employ unhealthy coping mechanisms such as alcohol and drug use, anger/rage, become sexually promiscuous or put a thick wall around ourselves to discourage intimacy. Some will turn to food or some sort of eating disorder, we can become overly controlling, suffer with trust issues, marriages suffer, relationships can suffer, and how we parent our children can be directly related to our abortion experience(s). These are all signs of the need to heal and there are many others as well.

Women who have been Christians for many years will say to me, "I'm forgiven of my abortion, that's all I need. I don’t need to look at this any further." There are a few women where God did the complete work of forgiveness and healing at one time. More often than not forgiveness and healing are two different events. In most cases, women discover there is a piece of healing they never considered. In God’s gentle way He will lead her to an abortion recovery group, uncover an area still wounded so His word can be a balm of healing to completely set her heart free.

HOW DO YOU KNOW YOU NEED HEALING?

Some questions to ask yourself...

1. Can I say the word abortion without an intense emotional response?

2. When I refer to my abortion do, I frequently use the word "it", or "the procedure" in lieu of the word abortion?

3. Am I triggered when abortion is talked about on social media or the news or amongst peers?

4. Do you believe that "God can forgive you but you can't forgive yourself?"

5. Do you believe "God can forgive others but not you?"

6. Are you harboring anger towards someone involved in your abortion?

7. Are you unable to forgive those involved in your abortion?

8. Are you triggered by anniversary dates such as the date/month of your abortion or the potential due date of your baby?

9. Do you feel you have to be pro-choice or silent on the topic because you had an abortion so it would be hypocritical to do so?

10. Do you keep your abortion secret to some degree?

11. Do you continually repent of your abortion even though you know you are forgiven?

12. Are you controlled by shame from your abortion(s)?

These are a few of many indicators healing is needed.

If you are a believer reading this and still question your need for a healing group, I first want to express that we always meet you right where you are. We will never force you to come up with something. If you are healed, then we will celebrate with you. If you are unsure or have any doubt my question to you is, "What can it hurt to participate in a Bible study and allow God to show you what may or may not be there?"

SCRIPTURE READINGS:

Deuteronomy 31:6

1 Samuel 12:20-24

Psalm 86:15

Psalm 145:8

Proverbs 3:5-6

Isaiah 41:10

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Hebrews 4:12-13

A closer look:

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

V3

1. What role does God play in providing comfort to His people?

2. Fill in the blank - He is the Father of _________ and God of ____ ___________.

3. What does mercy mean?

4. How many comforts is He God of: some, many, a few, all?

5. What does ‘all’ mean?

   
   

V4

1. Who is comforted?

2. Fill in the blank - …in ____ our tribulation.

3. What does ‘all’ mean: some, many, a few, all?

4. What greater purpose does God’s comfort to His people serve?

Summary and Application:

1. What is your conclusion about God?

2. How might you receive God’s comfort?

LISTEN:

QUOTE:

"Within Scripture there is a balm for every wound, a salve for every sore."

~Charles Spurgeon

MUSIC VIDEO:

Abortion trauma sources:

1-https://afterabortion.org/abortion-contributes-to-mental-health-problems-both-sides-agree-according-to-a-comprehensive-medical-review/